Background

Within the framework of the Sustainable Tourism Programme of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has recently embarked on the preparation of Guidelines to Integrate Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) into Tourism Planning as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular goal 12 on “Ensuring sustainable consumption and production”.The objective of the present survey is to identify current practices and methods in national tourism planning, as well as tools or guidelines used by the private sector and civil society actors in measuring and monitoring tourism’s performance.

Background

The 10YFP -- http://www.unep.org/10yfp -- is a global framework of action to enhance international cooperation to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in both developed and developing countries. The framework supports capacity building, and facilitates access to technical and financial assistance for developing countries for this shift. The 10YFP aims at developing, replicating and scaling up SCP and resource efficiency initiatives, at national and regional levels, decoupling environmental degradation and resource use from economic growth, and thus increasing the net contribution of economic activities to poverty eradication and social development. The framework is meant to encourage innovation and cooperation among all stakeholders

Due to its economic and social importance, which has become critical from a resource-use perspective, the tourism sector has been recognized as a key area to accelerate the change towards more SCP patterns and has been integrated as one of the five initial programmes of the 10YFP. By leveraging international collaboration, networks and research, stimulating innovation, replicating and scaling up SCP initiatives, tourism can make the necessary contribution and help accelerate the global shift to resource efficient economies and sustainable lifestyles.

Research and stock taking has started, and a Consultation Process, conducted regionally, will identify lead actors and partners and contribute to the drafting of the Programme Proposal. The activities are being conducted in cooperation with concerned UN Agencies, in particular UNWTO. The draft Proposal will be prepared and submitted to the Secretariat and to the board by end of 2013, with the expectation that the Programme will be launched during the first quarter 2014.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as the 10YFP Secretariat, in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is conducting this global survey to support the development of the sustainable tourism programme. Actors such as governments, private companies, civil society, researchers, UN agencies, financial institutions and others from all countries are invited to participate.

As the first step to developing the 10YFP sustainable tourism programme, this survey will contribute to a situation analysis of the existing priorities, needs, barriers and initiatives of governments, destinations and tourism stakeholders (i.e. the actors). The results of this survey will be used for developing a proposal for the 10YFP sustainable tourism programme and its practical implementation and delivery mechanisms.

The 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP) is a global framework of action designed to enhance international cooperation to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in both developed and developing countries.Resolution 66/288 of the United Nations General Assembly reaffirmed that the promotion of sustainable patterns of consumption and production is among the general objectives and essential requirements for sustainable development and is essential to achieve fundamental changes in the way societies consume and produce, to achieve global sustainable development. In particular, A/CONF.216/5 provided the objectives of the 10YFP, its structure and the initial 10YFP programmes. One of these programmes is on Sustainable Tourism and was developed based on regional consultations, stock taking exercise and a global survey on existing data and initiatives on sustainable tourism, engaging nearly 400 actors, as well as relevant UN agencies, resolutions and programmes. This extensive consultation process led to the development of a Concept Note, which has been approved by the 10YFP Board.The 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme (STP) was launched in London, on 5 November 2014, on the occasion of the World Responsible Tourism Day, at World Travel Market (WTM) and is set to harness the power of the one billion tourists who travel the world every year as a force for good. The vision of the 10YFP STP is for a tourism sector that has globally adopted sustainable consumption and production practices resulting in enhanced environmental and social outcomes and improved economic performance. The 10YFP STP offers a major opportunity to ensure that tourism contributes effectively to sustainable development, all within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has been appointed to lead the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme, with the Governments of France (Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy), the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sports) and Morocco (Ministry of Tourism) serving as Co-Leads. A Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC), consisting of governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector businesses, intergovernmental organizations as well as academia and UN agencies, is supporting the Lead and Co-Leads in their efforts to mainstream Sustainable Consumption and Production patterns in the tourism sector.A number of Partners have also joined the 10YFP STP and are participating in and supporting its implementation. Organizations and experts (legal entities) agreeing with the vision, goals and objectives of the 10YFP STP and committing to contribute to its activities, are invited to join as a Partner.
The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourisme became 10YFP Sustaniable Tourism Programme

Headlines

2013 Events

The United Nations General Assembly (Decision 67/203 ) established a 10-member board consisting of two members of each UN regional group. The board members are nominated for a two-year term,Current composition of the board, is as follow:
10YFP Board Members

Assisting the secretariat in securing funding for SCP, including voluntary contributions to the trust fund;

Overseeing the secretariat’s operation of the trust fund and its project approval process to ensure neutrality, objectivity, transparency, accountability and regional balance in the allocation and use of resources from the fund;

Reviewing annual progress reports by the secretariat on programmes under the 10YFP;

Reporting annually to ECOSOC (as ad interim reporting body) on the progress of the 10YFP;

Convening international and regional meetings;

Guiding preparations for the five-year review of the 10YFP;

Inviting representatives of United Nations bodies and major groups to participate in its deliberations.